Hey guys. Forgive my ignorance on this matter, as I'm a semi-auto guy first and foremost. I'm looking at two Smith revolvers, 686 pro series and 627pc. In both I would be looking at a 5" barrel. Use for either would be range toy/work of art to drool over. Aside from capacity, what makes the price difference worth it between the two. I know it's L-frame vs N-frame, but I don't know enough to decide which i would enjoy more. These are both beautiful revolvers, i just don't know which is right for me. If it changes your responses at all, i would prefer to keep the gun in my collection forever, so durability is important, resale value is not. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
627 or 686
- Thread starter Michaelp57
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The L Frame (686) is slightly lighter in weight, for carry purposes it would be easier to carry. The N Frame (627) is larger, heavier and somewhat more robust. For what you described as it's use, I would recommend the N Frame (627).
Yendor357
Member
The question is not which one do you buy.
The question is: Which one to buy FIRST?
The question is: Which one to buy FIRST?
Protocall_Design
Vendor
The 627 has more rounds capacity (8) compared to the 686 (6). For an auto guy, that may be more like something you are used to. Both are top flight lifetime revolvers, but the 8 shot can do more in terms of types of matches it is suitable for. You don't say if you shoot competitively, so we don't know if that is a consideration, but more ammo on board is never a bad thing.
I have and shoot both, at this time I am shooting more with the 627. I have put a lot of miles on 686es and like them a lot. One of my 686es has well over 100,000 rounds (I don't keep exact track of round count) and is still going strong.
I have and shoot both, at this time I am shooting more with the 627. I have put a lot of miles on 686es and like them a lot. One of my 686es has well over 100,000 rounds (I don't keep exact track of round count) and is still going strong.
Lou_the_welder
Member
I would first find which suits me more shooting double action. If you can try both frame sizes before you buy, that might narrow the options down.
Both triggers new would probably get better after a break in. I've noticed springs start to get loose after alot of shooting.
In an N frame, there are great lightweight options like a 327 R8 or TRR8 that weigh in at 36 oz. Making them lighter than most L frames. But still have the added capacity of 8 shots rather than 7 or 6.
I really like the barrel length in both. (5"). If your hand fits the L frame better. You can hardly go wrong with either. A 5" performance center gun is a great start.
Both triggers new would probably get better after a break in. I've noticed springs start to get loose after alot of shooting.
In an N frame, there are great lightweight options like a 327 R8 or TRR8 that weigh in at 36 oz. Making them lighter than most L frames. But still have the added capacity of 8 shots rather than 7 or 6.
I really like the barrel length in both. (5"). If your hand fits the L frame better. You can hardly go wrong with either. A 5" performance center gun is a great start.
I agree. I love my N frames but my 686+s are far more comfortable to me.
BillBro
Member
I own and shoot both, alot and can not honestly say I prefer one over the other. You can customize stocks to the point of not being able to discern a difference as to what is in your hand. Theyre both great guns.
5" is a great length for a range toy especially. Now if we we talking about 3" guns Id say 686 definitely.
5" is a great length for a range toy especially. Now if we we talking about 3" guns Id say 686 definitely.
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range toy/work of art to drool over.Then go with the 627. It would be hard to go wrong with one of those.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I prefer the 686 because that is a handsome revolver. I have the Plus the seven shooter.
OP
Facts
I think you got the right idea Yendor.
I do appreciate the responses guys. I will go to one of my lgs and handle them and see what happens. If they both feel good, sounds like the 627 is the one to get...first.
I think you got the right idea Yendor.
I do appreciate the responses guys. I will go to one of my lgs and handle them and see what happens. If they both feel good, sounds like the 627 is the one to get...first.
L-frame has a smaller grip frame and shorter trigger reach...........like shoes which fits your!!
OP
No carry
Definitely not going to carry it, regardless of which I get. I'll have to see which one feels better and go from there.
Definitely not going to carry it, regardless of which I get. I'll have to see which one feels better and go from there.
bananaman
Member
I have a 686-6 Pro Series. 5" 7 shot. Never had a lick of a problem with it. Bought it because it was a COOL looking Smith. Better yet got it a trade at the gun show. Changed stocks & added front fiber optic sight. Bob
I own a 4" 686SSR and a 5" 627 PC. Both are great revolvers but they are very different. The SSR is the gun that will go to the grave with me. It handles and points very well, is dead reliable and you can find tons of aftermarket parts / holsters /etc. I've had a very difficult time finding holsters for the 5" 627 (I went with one from Speed Beez but I'm not a fan). I have the 627 set up for ICORE / USPSA and it's a fun gun to shoot. However, it is a taller gun and handles very differently than an L-frame. Not better or worse, just different.
For your application I don't think you could go wrong with either revolver. I just happen to think that the 686 is the best all-around revolver on the market.
Please let us know what you wind up with.
For your application I don't think you could go wrong with either revolver. I just happen to think that the 686 is the best all-around revolver on the market.
Please let us know what you wind up with.
Yendor357
Member
One thing you might want to consider is the 686 sits a little lower in your hand, and recoils a little more into your hand. The N frame supposedly has more muzzle flip.
It would take a much better shooter than I to be able to tell the difference. But, multiply a little muzzle flip X thousands of rounds and it may be a contributing factor.
Either, or
I'm looking forward to a comprehensive range report.
It would take a much better shooter than I to be able to tell the difference. But, multiply a little muzzle flip X thousands of rounds and it may be a contributing factor.
Either, or
I'm looking forward to a comprehensive range report.
Tanners Owner
US Veteran
As a range toy, I'd get the 627. I have both a 627 Pro and 686+. I use the 627 more s it's configuration is better suited to the pistol games I play. My 627 has a second cylinder machined for 38 super, so I can shoot 9mm as well. Works well
That said, you can't go wrong with either.
That said, you can't go wrong with either.
